Everlane : Let’s Discuss

It’s been awhile since I wrote about Everlane; the last item I got from them (sent to review) was the wide leg cropped pants. I do also have an order on the way of white t-shirts. For an experiment. More on that in a moment.

They’ve launched some new items lately, the sport rib, the modern loafer mule, slouchy chino, new relaxed silk, new cotton tee colors, and they have some interesting pieces coming soon: linen, silk, and “day” shoes.

Everlane cropped sport rib – I’m intrigued, I’ll admit. And I know this wouldn’t be as cropped on me as on the model, so it would be a “normal” tank. No bra though… FYI, I was not terribly impressed with the E2 collection ribbed dress, and I imagine is very similar to the new sport rib.

Out of all the Everlane pieces I’ve ever bought or received to review, my favorites, hands down, are my ryan tanks (I have 5) because they are truly the best slouchy, slinky tanks for layering I’ve ever tried. They’re looking rather worn lately, especially the white ones, which I wear a few times a week, and I’m desperate to find a worthy replacement. I also love Everlane’s 1st generation long sleeve linen top/tee, and the relaxed linen shirt I have from them in white (I wore it over the weekend). And, I wear Everlane’s cashmere non-stop during the cooler months. I’ve not in general been a big fan of their t-shirts, or silk, although I know that Everlane’s silk is a fan favorite.

(FOR ALL THINGS EVERLANE, my own reviews, and reader comments, please refer to the EVERLANE category)

I don’t get super-excited about new launches much anymore, because I’ve not been super-excited about the fit, styles, etc., of things I’ve bought myself or received to review lately. Everything has been rather “meh.” But I still do appreciate the efforts the company makes to be “transparent” and produce modern, simple clothing at affordable prices.

What have you tried lately that you loved? Didn’t love? What are you looking forward to?

Oh, and about the white shirts. Seemingly overnight, my beloved James Perse slub crew neck tee in white is YELLOW at the neckline and underarms. I wear that tee all the time, and have had it for a couple of years, but it stayed pretty white for a very long time until recently. Now, it’s unwearable, and gross, actually. I don’t even think I can bring myself to wear it for walking dagny or at home.

The culprit, I think, is the Meow Meow tweet deodorant in the tub, baking soda free. I usually use the deo with baking soda, in the push up tube, but had the other around and not the tube for a while, and used that for about a month. And I know we’ve discussed here before why people get yellow stains on their shirts, and I thought we’d reached the conclusion that it was chemical deodorants primarily that lead to more of that. Clearly not.

I have never had a problem with yellowing of white t-shirts. NEVER. Even when I used regular deodorant. I don’t sweat much, or never have, so I thought that was a reason. But now, I’m having to toss two of my favorite white tees because of really gross yellow stains. Maybe my body chemistry is changing, that’s probably a big factor, but I do think the deodorant was also a factor. Although I do notice staining at the neckline too – so not deodorant? Ugh.

Anyway, I am going to start fresh with some new white tees from Everlane and use the Meow Meow tweet deodorant in the tube, that I use now (which I love, and find very effective), and monitor the armpits to see how long it takes, or even if they develop stains. Before I replace my JP tees, I’m doing a trial run on less expensive tees.

thanks for sharing 🙂

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Comments

I also find a lot of their things to be “meh”, though the two things I have and love of theirs is their $100 cashmere sweater in charcoal, even though it’s pilling like crazy (but I wore it all winter), and I like their french terry sweatshirt from 1-2 years back (I have it in washed black). I want to try their pants, but the sizing issues scare me away!

I am a longtime Everlane shopper (bought the loafers in October 2014 for my first purchase) and I feel similarly to you. I love the first basics I got from them but I have been less excited about their recent offerings. Part of this may simply be that they offer a minimalist / basic approach and eventually you will have enough items with that aesthetic. I believe a lot of my disillusionment with them is that they just do not make clothes that work for many body types. I shop at a wide range of brands and can make almost every brand work for me. This does not hold true for Everlane. Their cuts are quite thoughtless. Sizing up for the body makes the arms and shoulders comically large. The pants never work for anyone with hips and don’t even get me started about the ankle zips that mean none of them can be shortened. All this combined with their exhausting return policies and shipping times and pretty inept salespeople and limited styles at the physical locations, and it’s just too tiring to shop there. There are a few items I intend to purchase, such as another square silk and more tees, but I am pretty much done trying new items from them. In addition, the quality has gone down, especially for the cashmere.

I like the box cut tee, and i have an older chambray dress (via ebay) that is good. I also like my black cashmere cardigan with pockets (also ebay), and my cropped cashmere crew, but thinking of consigning that one because I wish I didn’t get it in burgundy – i just don’t end up wearing it because of the color.

I wish Everlane would focus on improving their existing items (and releasing petite and plus sizes versions) rather than constantly releasing new ones. It sucks when amazing products disappear and are replaced with new ones that may or may not be good. I’d like to re-order my fav linen tees, I’m not so interested in all the new crop stuff because guess what I’m 5’1″ and no way it’s going to look like the way it was designed in me.

With the white t-shirts did you try a wash with bleach? I mean sometimes it destroys things but sometimes it fixes them. If you’re going to throw them away the risk is worth it probably.

I so agree with this. For companies that focus on classic minimalist styles, it doesn’t make sense to keep releasing new items to the detriment of the great items that we have come to love. Also, if they allowed customers to post reviews on their website, it would help with sizing issues (and maybe cut down on the return rate).

My favorite Everlane purchases have been the original silk point-collar and round-collar shirts. I wear them often, and they’ve held up very well. I’ve also tried the first anorak, several of the T-shirts, two wool pants, and even one dress, and while everything has been okay, nothing’s won me over in quality, fit, or style enough to become as much of a wardrobe staple. Oh, and I agree with Grechen about Everlane shoes being ridiculously narrow. I made the mistake of bringing the street shoe with me on vacation after only one wear and very nearly left them in an Airbnb—they were that uncomfortable! They eventually became wearable after hours and hours of stretching.

I recently ordered the relaxed silk shirt in red and in black, and while the quality is quite good, I’m not absolutely in love with the fit: After reading the garment measurements, I went with the size 8. The fit is fantastic in the shoulders, bust, and back (my usual trouble spots because I’m top heavy), but the silhouette looks a bit off from the side. I suspect it may run narrow in the hips. It’s also a bit longer than it ought to be, I think—definitely tunic territory. My verdict? While I know it’ll get worn for work, I can already tell that it won’t be the all-around star of earlier silk iterations.

I hope to try the silk square shirt for summer but have yet to decide on the color.

Struggling with Everlane’s items lately. Some due to my life changes, and some due to their marketing/shape choices. 1. SHOES. I love the appearance but am meh on the comfort/fit of the sandals. The fig color is to die for and I’ll wear these out. But they don’t fit very securely and they aren’t especially comfortable. Very, very basic. Good for what they are, but not something I’d wear every day (for fear of heel/arch discomfort). The loafers, etc., are gorgeous but horrible to guess on fit. I bought a pair of Modern in 8.5 (I was an 8-8.5 at the time) and they were SO small and narrow. They didn’t stretch after multiple wearings and attempts to stretch (freezer, etc) and I sold them after my feet grew in pregnancy. I bought the modern point in a freaking 9.5 (I’m a 8.5-9 or so now) and they are again, TINY. Not sure if I can keep them or not. I may have them professionally stretched, but I may also resell and cut my losses. I prefer the Modern to the Modern point, stylistically, but neither is comfortable enough to become a favorite shoe. I’m officially “off” Everlane footwear. I don’t like the Street styles (generally not a white sole fan), personally, and just afraid of their leather options entirely. 2. TEES. Like the idea of the U neck but it’s too thin and short for me after babies. No longer flattering. Love the fit of the V neck. May try some of those, but the V is pretty low. Still, I can’t wait to wear the gray one I have postpartum again. It’s a smidgen thicker and a better cut for my post-baby shape. The others have had fit or other issues. 3. SILK I like the silk. I would consider getting another button up or maybe a similar style. I don’t like the boxy things on my long-torso/petite frame. Wrong shape altogether for me. 4. PANTS Haven’t tried. I have a 28-29″ inseam and most aren’t made well for petites from what I can guess, but I’m open to considering once my waist and hip size stabilizes after this pregnancy. Joggers are appealing, maybe the ponte pants (I have a pair of ponte maternity pants that I love dearly and have nearly worn threadbare and would love to find a nonmaternity option because it works really well with a blouse for work, surprisingly, but feels like sweats). On the fence about the wide legs due to inseam-length concerns. 5. CASHMERE Really nervous about this. Had a pale gray cardi I loved until it pilled insanely. Really wish they’d bring back a raspberry one, but the pilling makes me nervous. Not sure the quality justifies the (even otherwise really fabulous) price. Quality concern and also pretty big on a petite frame. 6. Dresses: I tried a dress but it wasn’t flattering. Too boxy and not enough drape.

OVERALL: These things aren’t cut well for me and don’t flatter a postpartum/almost-40 body too consistently. I really dig the company ethos, but haven’t purchased new from them in a long time. The things that most excite me if anything right now are possibly a weekender (but I don’t like the current colorways) and backpack, but don’t especially need either right now.

I feel like aluminium antiperspirants have definitely done that to shirts in the past but my natural deodorants have been less likely to leave yellow rings but more likely to be over-applied and leave oil behind. I switched from the pot Schmidt’s to the stick for that reason – easier to apply sparingly, despite all that extra plastic.

I just ordered the Everlane slouchy chinos in black (and 2 boxy t-shirts) so I have high hopes for those. I am returning the striped shirt and dress I just bought (same size as my other striped shirts from them but boxier fit). *womp womp*

Hey Jesse! Have you tried making your own deodorant? All the benefits of the natural stuff you can buy, but I store mine in an 8 oz mason jar and so there’s no packaging to worry about at all.

50/50 mix of baking soda and arrowroot coconut oil to desired consistency (it will “set up” much harder than when you stir, but if you take the approach you can tweak until you’re happy, you’re good to go) a drizzle of EVOO (I find this helps it keep from getting too hard in a/c or cold weather) essential oils if you like (the unscented smell is nice and mild, too, but I like a bit of lavender and very few peppermint drops – too much peppermint will tingle a lot when you’ve shaved!)

I’ve been using this since summer 2012. I sweat, but don’t stink, and my white shirts last forever. Given your love of all things vegan and not-wasteful, it seems right up your alley! Cheers!

i just have to chime in here on the deodorant – i used a variation of rebecca’s recipe with coconut oil for a long time, and while i thought it was effective, i had serious issues with oil stains on my clothing as a result. like, i’d put something on, get oil all over it and then couldn’t wear it until i washed it out. it’s possible that i just used too much, but i tried to be very careful about NOT doing that. anyway, that’s why i had to go back to buying it again FYI – i also tried lush’s powder deodorant, and loved that I didn’t get oil stains on my clothes that way, but i did get green powder all over everything LOL

Eek! I have had a little issue with that on an Old Navy chambray shirt, but I apply pretty sparingly (and leave the texture a bit on the powdery/solid side) and as long as I don’t use too much EVOO, I’m good to go. That would definitely put me off. I did try a batch with Bentonite clay and ended up with pit stains so pitched the batch and went back to my regular recipe.

Honestly, I find it hard to believe that no one has come up with the perfect natural, non-toxic deodorant after all this time and with the popularity of “green” product lines! Just not a big money-maker for them???

I was very happy with Everlane’s E2 collection from late last year. The ribbed tank dress is one of my favorites( and was really hoping you’d like it as well). I get a lot of use out of the babouche flats, the pointy patent mules, and the modem oxfords. The loafers are great too but did require a longer break in period.

I’m not a big fan of their tees (I think I like mine thinner), but I bought a couple from the Human collection and found them to be exceptionally soft and comfortable.

I have several of the original V-neck tees and I love them in navy blue. They are just now starting to get a few tiny holes under the arms after three years of continuous wearing and washing (on gentle and always hung up to dry). I’m debating ordering more to replace them, but I’m also curious about the Tradlands tees. But everything else has seemed sort of out of my fit range. Everlane does seem to cater to smaller sizes, and cropped shirts and flared pants don’t work for me.

Yes, sunscreen is often a culprit for me. And it seems to take the stains a while to “develop,” much like if you pull out white baby clothes for your 2nd kid you see spit-up stains that weren’t there when you put them away! I think it’s the nature of biology. An enzymatic cleaner (like oxyclean) might take them out. I make a paste & it works sometimes.

Yes! Especially since she said the necklines are affected. I ruined a white shirt years ago by doing this and learned that it is actually a specific sunscreen ingredient that causes it so I now take care to avoid sunscreens that list avobenzone as an active ingredient.

I LOVE Everlane’s Ryan tanks and tees. I baby them and don’t know what I will do when they start to fall apart. I wish they would bring them back. I tried the “Luxe Tee” and just didn’t care for it as much as the Ryan line.

Not sure if you’re willing to work on the yellow stains, but you might try pouring salt on the stains and then pouring some lemon juice over that. Let it sit for as long as you want and then see if it helped. I got a rust stain out of my white Everlane V-neck tee shirt…it’s an older one that I love and couldn’t part with. I ordered a V-neck recently to try to replace it and the cut/fabric wasn’t quite the same, so I did the salt/lemon juice thing and just let it sit for hours, and the stain came out!

My first Everlane order is on its way to me, and I’m cautiously optimistic that I will like it. I love the flat front on the black pants you have, but a lot of their other cuts that I like have pleats in the front, and that’s just not a look that I have ever liked.

I am going to be watching your deodorant trials with the shirts. I spent last year trying different natural deodorants and found that they either had baking soda, which gives me rashes, or they are baking soda free and the don’t stop odor. If you can find something that works for you and your new white shirts, I’d be super excited.

I can’t believe so many people want Everlane to have petite sizes when I think their pants are too short! I’m 5’8″ with all my height in my legs, and all the models have their ankles hanging out. I need a 32-34″ inseam (32″ is average) so it’s not like I have crazy long legs — and I think Everlane pants are too short! I do love the nubuck street shoe — I had to order 1 full size up because of the pointed toe — and it was painful at first but now I have them broken in and wear them all the time!

Btw, I don’t know if anyone saw the interview, but while Charlie Rose was on hiatus for surgery, BBC News anchor Katty Kay filled in for him (2/9/17) and I swear she was wearing an Everlane Ribbed Wool sweater in Heather Grey, which I’ve now become obsessed with because she looked soooo good in it! (Around :20 secs in) https://charlierose.com/episodes/29821

The cropped Ryan with the wide leg pants look great! I’ve gone to the Everlane studio in Soho and tried on their Spring/Summer line last year and their pants didnt fit me. Im going back soon to try on the wide-leg pants and the trench. The tees were too sheer for my liking. I do like the silk boxy button down shirts, I have 2, they are not cropped and do have some volume. I bought a pair of the oxfords, they are nice but I was disappointed with the quality of the heel and soul of the shoe for $175.00. What I love is the Eileen Fisher button down sleeveless tunic dress in a chambray linen. I wore it over jeans and leggings with a tank and open weave sweater on top on vacation. Looks great open as a long vest or buttoned half way as a tunic. In Summer it could be worn alone, buttoned as a dress.

I typically place a $600 order with Everlane once or twice a year and only wind up keeping $50 worth of clothing. It generally doesn’t work for me. And of the items I have kept (an a-line dress, a silk button down, pima cotton long sleeve and turtlenecks, cashmere crewneck), I’ve regretted keeping most of them. I love the pima cotton shirts, but everything else should have gone back. I don’t know why I keep trying.

I just noticed that they moved production of all of their tshirts to Vietnam, which kind of bummed me out, because their u and v-necks used to be made in California.

I’ve had a few duds over the years, namely the cotton skirt and the thick cotton tee, and I agree that their new arrivals are underwhelming. Honestly, I have so many Everlane basics at this point, I don’t need anything else. But I might try out their day flats or mules when they launch.

I use the Meow Meow Tweet baking soda free and haven’t had any issues so far, but I can’t switch to the regular because it caused an allergic reaction. So crossing my fingers my tops don’t start yellowing.

yes, that bummed me out too. i get some made in the US tees in to slowre sometimes, even the first ryan tees were made in the US… hope you don’t have an issue with the deo! honestly, i think my body chemistry is just changing and having more of an impact that i thought. age…

I’ve noticed the same with James Perse. I tried a bunch of things recently, and almost everything was made in either China or Vietnam, which surprised me. I thought JP was all generally made in the US?

most of the cotton is, still, unless it’s from an outlet (like last call, rack, or off fifth – you can always tell the outlet stuff because it’s made in guatemala or vietnam…) – silks, fleece, blends, etc., tend to all come from china since they, quite frankly, do those materials better and have machines that do detailing better than in the US. US factories, en masse, tend to do basic cottons and denim best.

Have you tried the hydrogen peroxide + dish detergent stain removal method? It worked on some of my old set in stains. I’ve only used it on cotton and linen so if you are trying for the first time, do test it out.

As for Everlane, I stopped buying their stuff a long time ago. Lacking in the fit info and shipping fees to/from Canada is not great. I’d rather be without than to have a meh item perpetually sitting in my closet.

VERY curious about Day Shoes being released shortly through Everlane. Softer leather and some cushioning will be very welcome and I might consider them if they get good reviews from you or Elaine at Temporary Housewifey. Agree with you, Gretchen, that sizing discrepancies and fit issues plague this brand and have left me wary to buy.

I’m actually getting a pair of the heels and the mules on friday to review on launch… 🙂 they look promising honestly which is why I agreed to review them. I think they’re just what people have been looking for

I’ve lucked out finding lots of secondhand Everlane (via Poshmark, eBay, and the like), but the only things I’ve held onto and wear consistently are the silk button-downs (round and point collar), a handful of sweaters/sweatshirts (seed stitch, chunky wool, french terry, crew sweatshirt, and luxe crew) and few tees (box cut, drop shoulder, and heavyweight). I found an older navy swing trench in medium but it has worn horribly and is covered with fade marks. Everlane’s sizing is a crapshoot and seems vanity-influenced. For example, I’m 5’8″, 140 lbs with a rectangular torso and some of Everlane’s cuts are huge on me in sizes I haven’t worn in 15 years (2 and XS…I’m usually M/L or 8/10 in other comparable brands). I’ve found their customer service to be responsive, but return processing takes forever. I agree with previous posters that I would like expansion upon/refinement of their classics instead of more boxy tops with unnecessary touches (a Breton top with zippers…really?).

Hi! I’m normally a lurker 🙂 I’m feeling pretty done with everlane these days aside from their cotton vnecks and cotton sweatshirts which I love and will repurchase once the ones I have die. Really really hoping they don’t mess with those. I tried the linen vneck sweater a few weeks ago and the fabric was fantastic, but it was sooo long, and kinda bunched up weirdly around my hips. There was just so much extra fabric and this was in an extra small. It might work on a very tall person. I also tried out the luxe tank dress since I’m looking for a casual black tank dress for summer. It was way too tight and also see through (also in an extra small). I thought about going up to a small but then it would still be see through. I’m curious about their new linen linen line coming out in a few weeks, but I’m tired of sending stuff back. I finally used the credit I had from ordering those other things to order the cotton sweatpants and I’m really hoping I like them (they come next week).

The yellowing of shirts has become somewhat of an obsession of mine (my partner renders his shirts unwearable rather quickly do this reason….the right deodorant isn’t the solution, I’ve tried). I actually first discovered The Laundress products trying to save yellowed shirts. A mix of the All-purpose Bleach Alternative and Stain Solution directly on the yellowed area works most of the time (leave for a day or two and then wash…..if it is a colored shirts, don’t leave too long otherwise bleaching might occur). Also, with many stains on white fabric, bleach and hot water can actually set the stain (it is crazy but true). Don’t let your James Perse shirt die before it’s time!

As for Everlane, I second the wish that they would return to producing some of their classics again. Likewise, they also seem obsessed with boxy and cropped cuts, which is a no go for my long torso….it is also seems to limit their customer base due to the fact that most people aren’t interested in showing off their stomachs, especially during non-summer seasons (their sweaters being consistently cropped seems like an heedless decision to chose a current fashion trend over function…..it is a just a newer version of mini skirts with uggs).

I keep trying to love Everlane. I bought some silk shirts, Ryan tees and a few v-necks when they first started, and a cool leather belt with a buckle that is moveable. Since then, nothing. I love their philosophy and their price points are very good. Unfortunately, many garments are too boxy and wide, too short, and too oversized. I do like the minimalist vibe. They had a Facebook focus group a few months ago and much of the feedback was centered around those complaints related to their clothes. Maybe that will spur some change.

I was intrigued by the Day Heels though, and I ordered the suede. They don’t ship for three weeks. I’m hoping they live up to the hype. They look great on you, Gretchen.

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